These Tiny Cabins Offer a Wilderness Escape—Even in the Heart of London

On the heels of an urban installation last year in King’s Cross, UK design firm Out of the Valley has plans for another woodsy pop-up.

These Tiny Cabins Offer a Wilderness Escape—Even in the Heart of London

On the heels of an urban installation last year in King’s Cross, UK design firm Out of the Valley has plans for another woodsy pop-up.

The Nomad Den is designed as a cross between a glamping tent and a cabin, with a timber frame and cladding, and canvas roof and window shade.

In September 2021, Granary Square in London’s King Cross was looking unusually outdoorsy. The plaza, flanked by warehouses and high-rise apartment buildings, played host to the first-ever Planted Cities, a sustainable design showcase that invited visitors to interact with more than 50 eco-conscious companies.

In one installation called Sleeping in Nature, UK design firm Out of the Valley brought in tiny off-grid cabins that provided event goers with a miniature escape from the grid.

Photograph by Rupert Mckelvie

"We brought the essence of cabin culture and pared-back, wild luxury to the city," says Rupert McKelvie, director of Out of the Valley. "We wanted to bring people back to the essence of what it means to sleep close to the elements in simple yet beautifully designed spaces."

The Sleeping in Nature installation will be part of the annual Planted event in London, and the cabins will also move around to different events throughout the summer as part of an ongoing talks programme hosted by the founders of Planted, Debs Spencer and Sam Peters.

The Sleeping in Nature installation will be part of the annual Planted event. In the interim, the cabins will move around to different events throughout the summer as part of an ongoing talks program hosted by the founders of Planted, Debs Spencer and Sam Peters.

Photograph by Rupert Mckelvie

Out of the Valley create buildings, furniture and interiors that celebrate the beauty and durability of wood and connect people with the rhythms of nature.

Out of the Valley creates buildings, furniture, and interiors that celebrate the beauty and durability of wood.

Photograph by Rupert Mckelvie

See the full story on Dwell.com: These Tiny Cabins Offer a Wilderness Escape—Even in the Heart of London